Strip Mining PDF

earth science STRIP MINING GROUP 3 STRIP MINING – Strip mining is a surface mining technique where layers of soil and rock (called overburden) are stripped away to expose the mineral deposits beneath, it's commonly used for coal extraction – It refers to the process of extracting mineral...

earth science STRIP MINING GROUP 3 STRIP MINING – Strip mining is a surface mining technique where layers of soil and rock (called overburden) are stripped away to expose the mineral deposits beneath, it's commonly used for coal extraction – It refers to the process of extracting minerals that are near the surface by removing large strips of land, rather than digging tunnels underground. – Strip mining also describes the environmental impact of removing vast areas of vegetation, soil, and rock, which often leads to deforestation, erosion, and habitat destruction. 2  earth science TYPE OF MINERALS EXTRACTED WITH STRIP MINING METHODS: GROUP 3 COAL LIMESTONE GRANITE URANIUM CLAY COPPER DIAMONDS PHOSPHATE MARBLE IRON 2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STRIP MINING GROUP 3  ADVANTAGES 1. Efficiency and Productivity: –Strip mining is generally more efficient than underground mining, allowing for higher recovery rates of the desired mineral. It is estimated that strip mining can recover 80-90% of the material, compared to 50% for underground methods. This is because strip mining does not require the creation and maintenance of tunnels, which can be complex and time-consuming. 2. Lower Costs: – Strip mining is typically less expensive than underground mining due to the reduced need for labor, equipment, and infrastructure. The process involves fewer steps and less specialized equipment, making it more cost-effective. 6  ADVANTAGES 3. Safety Considerations: – Strip mining can be safer than underground mining, as workers are not exposed to the risks associated with tunnel collapses, poor ventilation, or toxic gases. 4. Acessibility to Resources: –Strip mining allows access to mineral deposits that may be difficult or impossible to reach using underground methods, particularly in areas with challenging terrain or geological formations. This can be especially advantageous for accessing resources that are located near the surface but would be costly or impractical to extract through traditional underground.  DISADVANTAGES 1. Environmental Destruction: – Strip mining disrupts the natural ecosystem, leading to the loss of vegetation, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. This destruction can be permanent and takes a long time for ecosystems to recover. 2.Water Contamination: – The dumping of excavated material and the use of extraction solvents can contaminate nearby water sources. This can lead to pollution of drinking water, harming human health and aquatic ecosystems  DISADVANTAGES 3. Health Risks: –Studies have linked strip mining to increased rates of cancer, birth defects, and heart disease in communities near mining sites. This is due to exposure to mining-related pollutants and dust. 4. Air Pollution: –Strip mining releases toxins and dust into the air, contributing to air pollution and health problems. This can impact respiratory health, particularly in communities located near mining sites  DISADVANTAGES 5. Erosion and Flooding: –Improper reclamation or insufficient time for recovery can leave the land vulnerable to erosion and flooding, further damaging the environment and potentially putting communities at risk.  earth science THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! GROUP 3